How does Distracted Driving affect Insurance in Ontario

Understanding the Impact of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving in Ontario, particularly using handheld devices, leads to more than just legal issues. It significantly affects your car insurance premiums. For G license holders, a first-time offence results in a 3-day suspension, while novice G2 drivers face a harsher 30-day suspension. Insurance companies see these suspensions as high-risk behaviours, often leading to substantial premium increases.

The Severity of Distracted Driving from the lens of an Insurance Company

Even though the legal system imposes only 3 demerit points for Cell Phone ticket offences, insurance companies treat distracted driving on par with major traffic violations. This results in higher insurance costs, similar to those for severe offences like Careless Driving.

What are the Long-Term Financial Effects of Distracted Driving?

These insurance rate hikes can last for years, as the offence never leaves your driving record. This long-term financial burden extends beyond the initial fines, impacting your yearly insurance budget significantly.

Steps to Prevent Distracted Driving

To avoid these steep costs, it’s crucial to adopt safe driving habits. Always use hands-free devices appropriately and keep your phone out of reach while driving. Remember, prevention is key to avoiding these penalties.

The Importance of Legal Guidance

If you’re charged with distracted driving, seeking legal advice is vital. Specialized law firms can help in possibly reducing the suspension period and, subsequently, the insurance rate increases. This is especially important for G2 drivers, who face stricter penalties.

Being aware of the harsh reality of insurance premium increases following a distracted driving offence in Ontario is crucial. Safe driving practices and seeking legal advice can help mitigate these long-term financial impacts.